News

25 May 2022

Zen Family Voice: Kickstarts and Graduates: Views on first year of employment

Zen Family Voice: Kickstarts and Graduates: Views on first year of employment

Kickstarts and Graduates: Views on first year of employment

 

Contents 

Introduction
Zenergi Graduates 
Briar Graduates 
Former Kickstarts 
Career Opportunities 

 


Introduction

At Zenergi, we’re building a diverse and inclusive workforce and investing in the career development of young people with our graduate and Kickstart schemes.

Meet some of the team from our first graduate programme who have taken up roles at Zenergi and permanent employees who came to us via the government’s Kickstart scheme that invested £2 billion to help young people, aged 16 – 24, in their future careers.

Image by fancycrave1 from Pixabay 

Jay Chopra – Former Zenergi Graduate, now Finance Assistant

“I started working at Zenergi in 2020, after I finished my degree in Economics at City University. My role as a graduate meant that I was able to rotate across multiple departments, and it gave me the opportunity to experience all parts of the business. The departments that I rotated across were Sales/New Business, Finance, Design, and Energy Freedom. Doing this, I was able to build upon the skills I learnt at university and apply them in a more practical, everyday sense. I worked closely alongside Head of Commercial, Mike Rapson, who has unfortunately now retired, but he has mentored me, and I’ve learned a lot from him. This is my first time working in an office and it has given me the chance to make new friendships, learn new skills, and build my career for the future ahead. Zenergi has also allowed me to progress my accounting journey, as I am now studying ACCA whilst working at Zenergi.”


Qaasim Mehmood – Briar Graduate Energy Consultant

“Prior to working at Briar, I attended Coventry University, where I studied Mechanical Engineering. Joining Briar has been an exciting start to my career and has given me a clear direction as to where I want to go in the future. Working in Zenergi’s technical division, Briar, has been a great opportunity for me to enhance my skills as an energy consultant. My day-to-day tasks consist of site surveys, problem solving and report writing. I particularly enjoy the problem-solving aspect, as it gives me a sense of achievement. My graduate placement is due to end in 2023 and I am excited to see where my future with Briar takes me.”

Joseph Dance – Briar Graduate Energy Consultant

“Before my graduate role at Briar, I went to Coventry University, where I studied Mechanical Engineering. It was there when my interest in the industry really took off. As it stands, my day-to-day tasks consist of supporting senior engineers with day-to-day tasks, energy and thermal modelling, producing CAD drawings, learning new software, team meetings and engaging with clients and suppliers. So far the graduate placement has identified my main interests which are Low Carbon Design and Renewable Technologies, putting me on track to achieve my long-term goal of becoming a chartered engineer.”


Georgia Lee – former Kickstart, now Operational Support Specialist

“I joined Zenergi through the Kickstart scheme back in July 2021. Since then, I have moved into an Operational Support role as a permanent employee. During my time at Zenergi, I have delved into multiple roles, including Bill Validation, HR and now Bill Validation Stage 3, which has given me a firm understanding of where I want to take my career. Before Zenergi, I had not worked in this sector, and although this was an initial challenge, it has been something I have taken in my stride and overcome. The Kickstart scheme has also given me the opportunity to meet so many new people that I am proud to call my Zen Family. I am excited to see where my journey at Zenergi takes me next…”

Shahalyma Begum – former Kickstart, now Operational Support Specialist

“I was originally recruited by Zenergi on the Government Kickstart scheme a few days following my graduation from Law School. This was my first job working full-time in an office environment, providing me with the opportunity to meet new people, build positive working relationships and learn about the industry. It has helped me to build knowledge around an industry in which I had little knowledge about. “

Thomas Saywell – former Kickstart, now Operational Support Specialist

“I started working at Zenergi back in July 2021. I was fresh out of college and had little work experience when I started the Kickstart scheme. Since then, I’ve learned lots, not just about the energy industry but also about the general workplace environment, thanks to the guidance and patience of my superiors. I am officially an ‘Operational support specialist’, where I float between departments, learning and helping where it is needed most. The opportunity has helped me understand the importance of each department and get to know new people and get acquainted with the office better. All in all, I think the welcoming feeling of Zenergi has really helped me to feel comfortable and progress as a person in and outside of work.”

Fred Goulding – former Kickstart, now Operational Support Specialist

“Working at Zenergi is great. As a first timer to an office environment, I didn’t know what to expect, but I quickly learnt how to adapt. With the support from people like Sue and James, I was able to progress further in my abilities. My initial tasks were to learn how to validate bills as part of the Bill Validation team. At the beginning, it was daunting as I had no experience with any energy industry lingo, but with people like Nick around, it didn’t take long to pick up the basics and learn from them to expand my skills and knowledge. The transition to my permanent position was exciting for me. I was no longer going to be in Bill Validation and instead moved to the operational support team which had new challenges of its own. To wrap up, after nearly a year working at Zenergi, I’ve managed to pick up lots of new skills and industry knowledge that I hope to continue to develop over many years here.”


Are you looking for a graduate or apprentice role?

We are ‘Powering a Sustainable Future’ for our people. As part of this, we are investing in the next generation of climate change specialists by committing to hire 100 graduates, or apprentices; targeting 50/50 gender parity in graduate and apprentice roles; delivering fair pay across Zenergi, reporting gender and race pay levels transparently, and did we mention, we are a Real Living Wage Employer?

We have begun rolling out our apprentice roles, and there will be more to come. Our graduate roles will also be announced shortly. Visit zenergi.careers.co.uk to see our latest open positions, your next opportunity could be waiting for you…

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